Accidents and injuries? They can happen anywhere – even at work. While those of us with precarious and perilous jobs might wear the necessary safety gear to keep ourselves protected from potential dangers, there’s no harm in taking some extra steps towards greater safety. This summer, make sure you take note of and enact these safety tips to keep you and those around you happy and healthy all year long.
Tip #1: Stay Hydrated
Because heat can cause our bodies to lose fluid faster, those who work long hours under the sun or in hot environments are prone to the dangers of heat stroke and dehydration. Make sure you have a bottle of clean water with you whenever at work and stick to a drinking schedule so you don’t miss a chance to hydrate. Remember, if you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated, so you shouldn’t only drink when you feel thirst.
Tip #2: Find Shade
High temperatures under direct sunlight won’t only cause heatstroke, but they will also threaten to harm your skin. Work under shade whenever it’s available or try to prop up a temporary roof overhead to shield you from the sun. It also pays to take a break under a tree every few minutes or indoors to give your body a chance to cope with the temperature.
Tip #3: Take a Break
When working in perilous work environments, our bodies develop fatigue much faster. This is usually because of the heat and heavy physical activity we are subject to in the course of the day. Taking frequent and routine breaks will help your body adjust to what you’re doing and will save you from overworking your muscles.
Tip #4: Don’t Push It
In the heat of work duties, many of us forget that our bodies can only do so much. If and when you start to feel weak, dizzy, or unreasonably tired, don’t be afraid to sit down and assess yourself. Call the attention of a co-worker and ask for immediate medical assessment to keep yourself safe from potential medical emergencies.
Tip #5: Keep an Eye on Workmates
Keeping others safe is a great way to keep yourself safe. By keeping an eye on your workmates and taking action at the first signs of danger or threat, you earn the assurance that they’ll do the same for you if in case you fall into a perilous situation as well. Remind your co-workers to drink water, take breaks, and cool down to ensure a safe and accident-free work environment.
At Metalcare, safety is our top priority. That’s why we offer safety training courses in Fort McMurray to workers in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and pipeline industries. Our safety training courses include OSSA Fall Protection, OSSA EWP, OSSA CSEM, Fit Testing, H2S Alive, RPE, and Standard First Aid Course.
